Means for controlling the operation of concrete-mixing machines, &amp;c.



L. R. FERGUSON & H. J. WIG. MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION 0F CONCRETE MIXING MACHINES, &c.

APPLICATION FILED MAR. I5, I9l6. .I Patented Oct. 22,

.l E E H A, s T E E H 5 2 1d; f la y L. R'. FERGUSON L R. Lfwle. l MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION OF CONCRETE MIXING MACHINES, zc.`

APPLlcATlN FILED MAR. l5, |916. lz. Patented oct. 22, 1918;.

2 sHEETs-SHEEI' 2.

use with concrete mixers; and

LEWIS n. FERGUSON, OP PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA, AND RUDOLPH J. WIG, OP WASHINGTON, DIsTItIc'r Or COLUMBIA.

MEANS FOR CONTROLLING THE OPERATION 0F CONCRETE-MIXING MACHINES, &o.

Speoioation of Letters Patent.

Patented Oct. 22, 918.

Application led March 15, 1916. SerialNo. 84,849. l

To all 'whom t may concern.'

Be it known that we, LEWIS R. FERGUSON, a citizen of the United States, residing at Philadelphia, in the county of Philadelphia and State of Pennsylvania, and RUDOLPH J. WIG, residin at Washington, in the District of Columb1a, have invented certain new and useful lmprovements in Means for Controlling the Operation of Concrete-Mixmg Machines, &c.; and we hereby declare that the following is a full, clear, and exact description thereof, reference being had to the accompanyin drawings, which form part of this speci cation.

This invention relates to machines fo! mixing materials, and the object of the invention is to insure that after the materials have been introduced into the mixer they shall be stirred or agitated therein for a suficient length of time, or number of operations of the mixer, to insure the proper mixing and commingling thereof before they can be discharged.

rlhe invention is particularly designed for we will explain the invention as applied to such a machine as this will enable others to` readilyy understand the invention and adapt it to machines for mixing other materials within the scope of the invention.

In the ordinary method of manufacturing concrete the materials, such as cement, water, and coarse aggregates, such as sand, gravel, broken stone, etc., are placed in a revolvin drum, and commingled or mixed by rotating the drum in the well known manner. lt is important to insure good unlform concrete that the materials shall be thoroughly mixed and also that dierent batches of material shall be of the same relative proportions and equally well mixed. Heretofore the mixing has been left to the judgment of a workman, and the drum being permitted to rotate a greater or less number of times, at the caprice of the operator, the different batches of materials are not equally mixed; and some batchesare,

not properly mixed.

1When applied to machines for mixing concrete the present invention will automatically insure that the materials shall all be thoroughly mixed, and that successive charges of materials shall be equally mixed; and this-we accomplish by providing novel means whereby after the materials are introduced into the mixer the latter must make a predetermined number of operations before the material can be discharged therefrom.

When applied to a rotary drum mixer the invention would insure the rotation of the drum for a certain predetermined number of times after a charge is admitted thereto before such charge can be removed therefrom.

The accompanying drawings conventionally illustrate one e bodiment ofthe invention applied to a well known type of concrete mixing machine, but we do not consider the invention restricted to the particular construction of parts of the device illustrated in. the drawings, and those skilled in the art will 'readily understand how the invention can be adapted for use with various other kinds of mixers, all within the scope of the appended claims summarizing the invention.

ln said drawings:

Figure 1 conventionally illustrates a side elevation of part of a rotary drum type of machine for mixing concrete, with one embodiment of our invention applied thereto for automatically controlling the operation thereof.

' Fig. 2 is an enlarged detail view of the controlling devices.

Fig 3 is a plan view of the controlling devices shown in Fig. 2 with the clutch engaged.

Fig. 4 is a further enlarged detail plan view showing the clutch disengaged.

Fig. 5 is a detail section on the line 5 5, Fig. 4c; and d Fig. 6 is a detail of the clutch operating .In said drawings the cylindrical drum or mixing chamber A is mounted upon rollers B on a framework C, and is adapted to be rotated by suitable means, not shown, in the usual manner. A charging hopper D is attached to a shaft d by which it is hinged to oneside of the frame, and is adapted when raised to discharge materials loaded there- `in into the drum A. A discharge chute E is hinged on a shaft F supported on the frame at the end of the drum opposite the charging hopper. Said discharge chute is held in the inoperative position shown in full lines Fig. 1 when the drum is rotated to mix the materials therein, and may be turned to the discharging position indicated -in Fig. 2, when it is desired to discharge mixed materials from the drum. The aforesaid parts are of a well known type and therefore need no further explanation herein, and are simply conventionally illustrated for the purpose of 4imparting a ready understanding of our invention when applied to such a mixer.

Beside the drum A is a longitudinally movable bar 1 mounted in standards 1a attaehed tobars 1b attached to the frame C. Mounted on the bars 1b adjacent the charging hopper is a cam-member 2 which has an arm 2a connected by a link 2b with a crank 2 attached to the shaft d to which the charging hopper D is secured. The cam portion of cam 2 is adapted to engage with the adjacent end of the bar 1 and force the latter to move longitudinally when the charging hopper D is raised.

The bar 1 may be provided With a roller 1 for engagement with the cam 2 to reduce friction. Adjacent the other end of'the bar 1 is a cam 3 pivotally mounted on a support 3a and having an arm 3b connected by a link 3 to a crank arm 3f on the shaft F upon which the discharge chute E is mounted. The cam portion of this cam 3 is adapted to' engage the adjacent end of the bar 1, which may be provided with a roller 1d to lessen friction.

The parts are so constructed and arranged that if the charging hopper is raised to discharge a load of material into the mixer AA,

it will in the actA of raising, rock the shaft d and through crank 2c and link 2b cause cam 2 to move bar 1 to the right, and said bar will engage the cam lever 3 and return or hold the discharge chute E 'in inoperative position, as shown in full lines in Fig. 1; and bar 1 will lock cam 3 in this position so as to hold the discharge ehute inoperative until the bar 1 is retracted. When the charging hopper D is lowered the cam 2 is returned to normal position, but leaves cam 3 locked by bar 1 with the discharge chute in inoperative position. But me'ans are provided for thereafter automatically retracting the bar 1 so as to release cam 3 and free the discharge chute.

As shown in the drawings the bar 1 is retracted byv novel means after a certain num-` ber of operations or revolutions of the mixer A as follows: Bar 1 is provided with a rack portion 1 which meshes with a pinion 4a on a shaft 4 journaled in bearings on standards 5 attached to the hars 1. The pinion 48L is loose on shaft 4 but has a clutch face which is adapted to be en a ed by a clutch member 6 splined on sa: 4 and adapted to be normally held in engagement with the pinion by suitable means, a spring 5a being indicated.

0n shaft 4 is keyed a worm gear 4 which meshes with a worm 6 on a shaft 6a journaled in bearings in the standard 5; and on the outer end of this shaft 6a is a tappet wheel 6b which is adapted to be engaged by one or more members 6 (which may be pins, studs or rollers) attached to the outer side of the drum A as shown. Preferably wheel 6b has a plurality of teeth or fingers whichl may be successively engaged by the member 6 on the drum, sothat during the rotation of themixer the wheel 6", will be engaged and turned and thus through the worm ilupart rotation to the shaft 4; and if the clutch 6u is engaged with pinion 4L said pinion will be turned in a direction t0 cause it to retract bar 1 and disengageit from the cam 3.

As shown the clutch may be disengaged from pinion 4a by means of a yoke 7 on one end of a bell crank lever pivoted at 7'L on a suitable support; and the outer arm 7 b ofv this lever is adapted to be engaged by a dog 8B pivoted on a sliding rod 8b which is supported in brackets 1, 1f vparallel with and beside bar 1; and this rod t3b is connected by a link 8 with the cam 2, in such manner that when the charging hopper D is raised the rod 8b is moved so as to cause dog 8` to engage arm 7 b and disengage the glutcrbefore the cam 2 engages and moves The clutch 6 should be disengaged from the clutch pinion 4a before the cam 2 moves bar 1 to the right and should hold the clutch disengaged until the bar 1 has been fully moved to the right. For this purpose arm 7b is shownl as provided with an extension or finger 7 which is so proportioned that after dog 8a engages arm 7 b and causes it to disengage the clutch said dog moves against the finger 7 and holds the clutch disengaged While rod 8b and bar 1 move to the right and until the roller 1d has engaged the dwell portion 3f of cam 3; thenv the trip 8n clears finger 7 and the clutch can rengage pinion 4.

Vhen the hopper l) is lowered the cam 2 is returned to normal position While the bar 1 remains in its projected position locking cam 3; but rod 8" is returned by the movement of the cain 2 and in returning the dog 81L rides idly over the finger 7 and arm 7b of the clutch lever until it clears same. The dog 8 is normall)v held in position to positively actuatc the arm 7b when the rod S" moves to the right vby means of a pin 8e on rod 8" but when the rod 8b moves to the left the trip 8*L can ield and ride over the finger and lever as described; but will be returned to norma-l position when it clears the lever by meansof a spring 8f.

When the charging hopper D is elevated to discharge material into the mixer A the cam 2 is turned, first causing link 8 to move rod 8b tothe right. The dog 8*l ou rod 8" engages the arm 7b of the clutch shifting lever and disengages clutch 6 spring y5 causes from pinion 41L permitting said pinion to revolve freely upon the shaft 4. The length of the finger 7c is such that the dog 8a continues to hold the clutch 6 out of mesh until the bar 1 enters the dwell 3t in the cam 3; then the dog 8n clears the finger 7 and the the clutch 6" to again engage pinion 4?. As cam 2 revolves clock- Wise it first causes the link 8c to move, and after the clutch 6c is disengaged it causes bai-1 to move to the right. As bar 1 moves to the right, the pinion 4 on shaft 4, and bar 1 operates cam 3; the cam 3 moves the discharge chute E to moperative. position.

As the mixer drum rotates, the member 6e successively engages the teeth of the tally wheel 6b and revolves the worm, Which in turn revolves the shaft 4 and clutch 6c and the latter operates pinion 4*l which engages the rack 1e and moves the bar 1 to the left. The rack 1e is of such length that after bar l has moved far enough to the left-to permit the discharge chute to move to discharging position, the spur gear will enter a. slot oi' notch 1m in the bar 1 and can then freely revolve without further moving the bar.

When the charging hopper D is lowered, after discharging into the mixer the cam .2 revolves counterclockwise and the rod 8b is moved to the left but the dog 8a attached to rod 8b does not operatively engage the clutch shifting arm but rides over it, permitting the clutch 6 to remain engaged with pinion 4 'until the .rod 8b is again moved forward by the lifting of the charging hopper D It will be seen from the foregoing that when the mixer is charged it cannot be emptied until after it hasmade a predetermined number 0f revolutions, and this is preferably accomplished, in .the form of mixer shown, by locking the discharge chute in inoperative position. The particular construction of the devices for thus automatically coiitrolling the operation of the mixer, can obviously be lvaried and would be varied to suit the particular type or character of mixer to which the invention is applied.

Vhile we have described the invention as applied to a concrete mixing machine having a charging hopper as I) it is obvious that the cam 2 might be operatively connected with any member which has lto be turned to admit material into a mixer, and the invention is not limited to use in con nection with a charging hopper as any device which has to be shifted to admit ma terial into the mixer might be operatively connected with this cam so that When material is admitted cam 2 will be "shifted, and the cam 3 might be connected with any suitable discharging device or meansfor controlling the discharging or emptying of the mixer so that when any material is ad' is free to turnmitted into the mixer the discharge will be automatically prevented until the mixer has performed a certain number of operations sufiicient to mix the material therein.

The essential novel characteristic of our invention is that when the mixing machine has been charged it must go through a certain number of operations before the material can be discharged and the particular means for charging, or the particular construction of the mixer, or the particular discharging means, or the manner in which the mixer is emptied after the mixing is completed, are not features of the present invention; nor is the particular means by which such desired operation of the mixer is accomplished a feature of the. present invention, for those skilled in the art will appreciate the utility of the invention and be able to adapt it in various forms and constructions within the scope of the invention to various different types of mixers. The invention is also applicable to machines for mixing other kinds of materials as above stated although it is primarily designed for use with concrete mixing machines.

The parts should be so proportioned or` adjusted that after the mixer is chai-ged it has to automatically make a predetermined number of operations or rotations before material can be discharged; this, in the embodiment illustrated in the, drawings, would depend upon the relative proportion of the, gearing, the length of travel of the bar, the size and number of teeth on the. wheel g' and the number of engaging members on the drum.

What we claim is:

1'. In combination, a mixing machine coniprising a mixer, discharging and charging devices therefor, and means controlled by the charging device and operable by the mixer to govern the operation of the discharging device.

2. In combination, a mixer, a charger; and controlling means adapted to'be set into operative condition b v the charger and then operated by the mixer; whereby the mixer when charged must make a number of operations before it can be emptied.

3. In a mixing machine the combination of a mixer; means for admitting material therein; means for discharging the material and means for locking ,the dischargerg'nith a charger; and controlling means adapted to be set by the charger and then operated by the mixer; whereby after the material is admitted into the mixer the discharging means is kept locked until the mixer hasperformcd a predetermined number of operations.

4. In a mixing machine the combination of a. mixer; charging means; and discharging means; with meansl setl b v the charging means whereby when the charging means admits material into the mixer the dischargllO ing means is held in inoperative position; and means operated by the mixer whereby the discharging means is released after the mixer has performed a predetermined number of operations.

5. In a mixing machine the combination of a mixer; a charger; a discharger; locking means for the discharger adapted to be set by the charger when the latter is raised; and controlling means for the locking means operated by the mixer; wherebyA when the charger is moved to charge the lmixer the discharger is locked until the mi-xer has made a given number of revolutions.

6. In a mixing machine the combination of a-rotary drum; means for charging the drum; controlling means set by the charger; and means operated by rotation of the drum and engaging said controlling means whereby when the drum is charged it must make a predetermined number of rotations before the material can be discharged therefrom.

'7. In a concrete mixing machine; the combination of a rotary drum; a chargingl device; discharging means; controlling means set by the char' er and means operated by rotation of the rum and engaging said'controlling means whereby when the charger is operated to admit material into the drum the discharging means is automatically locked until the drum has made a predetermined number of rotations.

, 8. In a concrete mixing machine, the comf bination of a rotary drum; achargingdevice; and a discharger; with means set by the charger whereby when the charger is moved to charge materialinto the drum the discharger is automatically locked in inoperative position; 4and means actuated bythe drum whereby the discharger is unlocked when the drum has made a predetermined number of rotations. y

9. In a concrete mixing machine; the com- I bination of a mixer; a movable member for v-by the drum and engaging said -Y charging the mixer; and a discharging means; with locking means; means actuated by the movement of the charging member whereby when the charging member is moved to admit material into the mixer the locking means is caused to lock the discharging means in inoperative position; and means operated by the mixer whereby after the'return of the charging -member-to `nor-v mal position the mixer must make a given number of rotations before the discharging means is released. l

10. In a concrete mixing machine; the combination of a mixer; a movable hopper Afor charging the mixer; and amovable discharger; with locking means set by the raising of the charging hopper, whereby when the hopper is elevated the discharger is locked in inoperative position; and means o erated ocking means whereby the mixer must make a predetermined number of rotations before the discharger can be released.

11. In a concrete mixing machine the combination of a mixer, a charger, a discharger, and means for holding the discharger inoperative; with means operatively connected with the charger and adapted to cause said holding means to lock the discharger in inoperative position; and means operated by the mixer for automatically releasing the said dischargerV after the mixer has made a predetermined number of rotations.

12. In a concrete mixing machine the combination of a mixer, a charger, a discharger, a cani connected with the discharger for locking it in inoperative position, a shdable bar adapted to engage said cam; and a second cam operatively connected with the charger and adapted to engage said bar When the charger is raised and cause said bar to enga e the discharger controlling cam and hold the discharger in inoperative position.

13. In a concrete mixing machine the combination of a rotary drum, a movable hopper for charging the drum, and discharging means set by the hopper; with means whereby when the hopper is moved to charging position the discharging means is automatically locked in inoperative position, and means operated by the drum whereby after the hopper is returned to normal position the drum must make a predetermined number of rotations before the discharging means is released.

14. In a concrete mixing machine the combination of a rotary drum, a movable hinged hopper for charging the drum, and a movable discharger chute; with means set by the hopper whereby when the hopper. is elevated the chute is locked in inoperative position, and means'operated by the drum whereby after the lowering of the hopper the drum must make a predetermined number of rotations before the discharger is released.

15. `vIn a concrete mixing machine the combination of a rotary drum, a charging hopper at one endvthereof, a discharge chute at the opposite end thereof, a cam connected With the discharge chute for locking it in inoperative position, a slidable bar adapted to engage sald cam, and a second cam operatively connected With the charging hopper and adapted to engage said bar when the hopper is raised and cause said bar to engage and move the discharge controlling cam and hold the discharge chute in inopermemes project said bar to en age the discharger controlling cam and ho d the discharger in inoperative position; with means for retracting. the bar, a clutch for disengaging said operating means, and means whereby the said clutch is disengaged while the charger cam is actuating the bar, the clutch being rengaged when the charger cam frees the bar, substantially as described.

17. In a concrete mixing machine the combination of a rotary drum, a charging hopper at one end thereof, a discharge chute at the opposite end thereof, a cam connected with the discharge chute for locking it in inoperative position, a slidable bar adapted to engage said cam, and a second cam operatively connected with the charging hopper and adapted when the hopper is Yraised to project said bar to engage the discharge controlling cam and hold the discharge chute in inoperative position; with a gearing adapted to be operated by the said drum, means operated by said gearing for retracting the bar, a clutch for disengaging said operating means, and means whereby the said clutch is disengaged when the 'charging cam` is actuating the bar and rengaged when the charging cam frees the bar, sub stantially as described.

In testimony that we claim the foregoing as our own, we afix our signatures.

LEWIS R. FERGUSON. RUDOLPH J. WIG. 

